Note: This post is not a definitive guide for making money, nor should it be treated as such. See the Money Making page instead for an actual guide, this is simply satire.
1: You don't mine for credits beyond a certain point of financial capital (low to medium), as it becomes inefficient compared to destroying enemy AI ships for combat rewards and their loot. 2: Farm AI ships for combat reward and loot using your Starbase or a suitable ship (usually a Capital Ship, but smaller powerful ships also work). 3: Profit